Thailand could lose Bt70 billion tourism revenue if unrest drags to 4Q08
BANGKOK, Sept 5 (TNA) - Thailand could lose as high as Bt70 billion in tourism revenue from foreign visitors if political unrest in the country continues into the fourth quarter of 2008, according to a report issued by Kasikorn Research Center.
The report said violent demonstrations had already eroded safety confidence among foreign tourists wishing to travel to Thailand and there are signs that Thailand could lose about Bt35 billion from foreign tourists spending if the political turmoil could end this month.
If the unrest continues until the last quarter of 2008, the country is expected to lose tourism revenue from foreigners travelling to Thailand not less than Bt70 billion, it said.
Of the total projected losing revenue, about Bt20 billion would come from hotel and resort, Bt18 billion from souvenir, jewellery and handicraft, and Bt32 billion from food and entertainment, it said.
The kingdom earns about Bt600 billion annually from foreign tourists spending while staying in the country. (TNA)
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